Hooking up the AC

[67C10BUB]

Anyone hooked up the AC in their 5.3 or 6.0 swap (with the low mounted factory compressor) yet? I was hoping to get some advice on getting the hoses. I have the Old Air AC system, but I didn't get the kit with the hoses, since I didn't think they would work anyway. Old Air sells a hose kit with lots of fittings to make your own, but I would have to have them pressed on. Any advise out there?

[BR3W CITY]

Parker Store, Swagelok, or similar company would be able to make you any hose you need. Just find the length you would need with an old peice of hose; then take your hose ends (or know what kind you need) with you and show them what your looking for. They can select a compatible hose type, and get you the right fittings and press together all on site. Its a pretty nice way to get custom hoses, and they don't cost a ton compared to ordering a "hose kit" that may or may not work on your application.

[Clyde65]

What he said^^^^^^

I have an Old Air system too and the LS compressor just like you. the only thing about it is when I turn on the ac or heater, my voltmeter goes down to just under 12v from about 14, I havent but plan on talking to them about it. I also used the Doc's compressor connections to move the ac connections so I could connect easier.

[BR3W CITY]

Clyde did your system come sealed with reefer oil, or did you have to add it manually? I may or may not have some input on your voltage drop but need to know that part first.

[67C10BUB]

My local hose shop is run by an idiot. He made a few hoses for me in the past and I wasn't all that pleased with them. At this point, I just like to do as much as possible myself.

[leddzepp]

who did you go to locally? i have had good luck with the hose man in grand terrace.
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[Clyde65]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

Clyde did your system come sealed with reefer oil, or did you have to add it manually? I may or may not have some input on your voltage drop but need to know that part first.

Br3W, I have no idea what your talking about, sealed? reefer oil?

[BR3W CITY]

Did your a/c compressor come on the pullout motor or did you buy a new one from a parts store? All refrigeration aka "reefer" (not weed, thats a different conversation) uses some sort of lubricant in the system for the compressor, because the refrigerant gas itself does not lubricate.
Some systems have a lubricant built into the refrigerant, others use an additional oil like Pag 100. Your voltage drop made me wonder if the compressor was encountering mechanical resistance, from lack of lubrication.

[Clyde65]

Well, I got it from a wrecked truck that I pulled it off of. it was a running truck and ac blew cold but looked like a train met it in the middle. I just had it charged and a friends AC business, this isnt something new, it has pretty much always did the volt sucking. I am going to rattle the Old Air peoples cage ( I live very close and they really love me, NOT!) so maybe they will have an answer.

The first time I went to ask them a question, they didnt want to talk to me cuz I have the LS compressor on it and not the Sanden I used to. It blows cold and works fine other than the voltage, would a relay going out cause this? just a stab in the dark.

[TR65]

Hey 67,

Here is how I hooked up my low mount compressor on my LS2.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=468107

TR

[67C10BUB]

Originally Posted by TR65

Hey 67,

Here is how I hooked up my low mount compressor on my LS2.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=468107

TR

Thanks TR65, great write up. It was very helpful, but those Aeroquip fittings are a little pricy for me. I am considering the Old Air hose kit, which is $95 for everything.

[67C10BUB]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

who did you go to locally? i have had good luck with the hose man in grand terrace.
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There is a Hose Man near by. Maybe I will see what they charge if you liked their work. I went with a privately owned shop (that I can't recall the name of).

[BR3W CITY]

Clyde, I'd be inclined to think the relay isn't the problem If you hooked it up without a relay, I could see a voltage issue if the current is passing through a small switch wire or something...but it you have a relay I don't see what the issue would be.

The mechanical resistance only occurred to me, because I had a customer with a large commercial cooling unit whose compressor ran dry and seized.....

[Clyde65]

BR3W,

The reason I question the relay is because the way it is wired, it draws the power through the fuse block, not the battery like most relays are done.

[BR3W CITY]

^really?
I wouldn't want the a/c running through the fuse block IMO.
Disconnect the relay, start the truck, hotwire compressor to the battery on (with inline fuse!) and see if it drops.

[Clyde65]

Just for more information my dad's truck wit Old Air does the same thing. also it seams it is more the fan and the unit and not the compressor, he has a Sanden and I have the stock 02 LS compressor.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Just for more information my dad's truck wit Old Air does the same thing. also it seams it is more the fan and the unit and not the compressor, he has a Sanden and I have the stock 02 LS compressor.

Are you using the original fuse block? If so, You need to run a "dedicated fused curcuit" to the blower motor relay. A 10 gauge wire from the battery/alternator/starter with a 25 or 30 amp fuse inline should correct your problem. I have a Painless single megafuse holder I will give you John. Those cheap autostore fuse holders SUCK!

BR3W CITY, On automotive A/C the compressor is ran by the belt/engine via the electromagnetic compressor clutch, Electrical power does not run the compressor, Just the clutch which is a "low amp curcuit". Compressor Clutch Relays are used as a control device for the PCM in late model vehicles, Not as a "high amp" switch.

[BR3W CITY]

good info clyde.

[67C10BUB]

It looks like I am going with Hose Man. I talked to them down there and they said they would measure and fit them to my truck if I bring it down. Anyone have a good place to get my system charged in SoCal?

[Lee H]

Foothill radiator in Upland on Foothill Blvd a few blocks east of Euclid.
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[67C10BUB]

Originally Posted by Lee H

Foothill radiator in Upland on Foothill Blvd a few blocks east of Euclid.
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Thanks!! I take it you have had a good experience with them before?

[67C10BUB]

Originally Posted by Lee H

Foothill radiator in Upland on Foothill Blvd a few blocks east of Euclid.
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Thanks Lee H...Took it to Foothill Radiator and they were very helpful.